Effective September 1, the Company is no longer providing health insurance coverage to most members. Members who are on any approved leave of absence should have no interruption in company coverage.
This loss of coverage is a qualifying life event. This means you are eligible to enroll in other plans and do not have to wait for Open Enrollment.
You and your family have options to find healthcare coverage that is right for you, and each member of your family may elect different coverage options:
EMP (USW Emergency Medical Plan)
- This is a plan offered through the USW Strike and Defense fund.
- It does not have any prescription drug coverage and provides only catastrophic and emergency coverage.
- There is no cost to you.
- You must fill out an enrollment form (or a waiver if getting other coverage).
Spouse’s coverage
- If your Spouse’s employer plan offers spousal coverage, you do not have to wait until the Open Enrollment period. Your loss of coverage through RWJ makes you and your children eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Your family will have to pay any Employee contributions.
Parent’s coverage
- If you are under age 26, you can enroll in your parent’s coverage, you do not have to wait for the Open Enrollment period.
- You do not have to be living with them.
- Your family will have to pay any Employee contributions.
Medicaid
- Depending on household income and size, you or your children may qualify.
- Children may qualify for coverage under NJ Family Care, even if adults in the household do not.
- You can learn more at https://njfamilycare.dhs.state.nj.us/
Healthcare Exchange Plan
- You are eligible to enroll immediately in an Exchange plan due to the loss of RWJ coverage. These plans will have greater coverage than the EMP. You may find a low-cost plan by going to https://nj.gov/getcoverednj/
- Your family will have to pay any premium cost, which could be subsidized based on household income, and cheaper than COBRA.
COBRA
- Anyone who was enrolled in the Company healthcare plan should have received a COBRA letter recently. KEEP your COBRA letter and envelope, even if you don’t expect to elect COBRA.
- Each individual has a right to continue the Company insurance coverage for at least an additional 18 months.
- COBRA is very expensive – you are responsible for 100% of the COBRA premium.
- You may be able to bring COBRA payments to the Assistance Committee for help.
How do I know what plan I should get?
Each individual will have different needs and different options available to them. The following are some considerations to keep in mind.
· If you or your children qualify for a Spouse’s plan, parent’s plan, or Medicaid, it is recommended that you take advantage of that option.
· Individuals with serious chronic health needs, in the middle of a course of treatment, or who need costly brand name prescription drugs should consider COBRA.
· If you have some healthcare needs but not a serious chronic condition, you may be able to find a low-cost plan on the NJ Healthcare Exchange.
· For most members with few immediate healthcare needs and who do not need prescription medications, the EMP may be adequate.
In all cases, please keep your COBRA letter, as you have the right to go back and elect COBRA back to September 1 if your situation changes or you have an unexpected healthcare expense.
Keep in mind, the Strike Assistance Committee has to prioritize expenses. They may be able to assist with premiums, but the Strike and Defense Fund simply cannot afford to pay everyone’s full COBRA expense.